Inside Out 2 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Inside Out 2" by Disney / Buena Vista delivers an exemplary visual feast, encoded in HEVC / H.265 at a 2160p resolution with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The transfer enhances the already impressive 1080p iteration, marginally improving fine detail levels while significantly amplifying the vividness of the color palette. The HDR10 transfer, though lacking the finesse of Dolby Vision, contributes superb highlights, evident from the opening hockey sequence's vibrant blues to Riley's home scenes rich in brown-orange hues. The depths and texture in the visuals are particularly pronounced within Riley's mind, where the animation team's artistry is showcased. Character details are rendered sharply and clearly, spotlighting the blurs and textures on the emotions with meticulous precision.

As anticipated from Pixar, the primary colors are outstandingly bold, with exquisite blues, reds, and yellows. Specific shades like the emerald green of Envy, the manic orange of Anxiety, the deep purple of Ennui, and the radiant pink of Embarrassment are particularly stunning. The HDR grade further elevates the visual experience with deep black levels and an impressive depth that enhances overall immersion. Some standout visuals include the Belief System, which showcases incredible color vibrancy and detail, emphasizing the film's intricate animation and broad color gamut.

The video presentation excels across all visual aspects, showcasing precise background textures such as Ennui's couch and maintaining consistently high-quality visuals throughout varied scenes. Despite the absence of Dolby Vision, the HDR10 transfer demonstrates remarkable capability in shading and enhancing black levels. Though some enthusiasts may anticipate a 3D version for an added sense of depth, this 4K UHD release remains an exceptional showcase of Pixar's animation prowess and Disney's commitment to delivering high-quality home video presentations.

The audio presentation of "Inside Out 2" on its 4K UHD Blu Ray disc delivers an extraordinary Dolby Atmos track, standing in pleasant contrast to Disney's past challenges with Atmos mixes. The balance here is near impeccable, with clean and dynamic engagement across all channels, including fronts, centers, sides, rears, and heights. Right from the start, there is a rich layers of audio detailing, whether it's the slashing blades during the hockey sequences or the visceral bass effects during pivotal emotional scenes. Specific effects such as Joy catapulting negativity or the wrecking ball at HQ showcase notable elevation effects, adding depth and dimension to the sound experience.

Comparatively, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track on the 1080 disc remains highly commendable, with precise dialogue rendering and an almost perfect surround activity during dynamic scenes inside Riley's mind. It is nearly impeccable in its execution, featuring impressive LFE impact and seamless integration of Andrea Datzman's emotional score. The surround channels notably enhance the feeling of being enveloped in the movie's world, from the whirlwind of inner-mind scenarios to the external hockey game interactions. Optional subtitles available in multiple languages help ensure accessibility for a diverse audience. Ultimately, while both audio tracks stand strong independently, fans will surely appreciate the subtle yet effective enhancements of the Dolby Atmos experience on the 4K disc.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "Inside Out 2" boasts a modest collection of bonus features on the included 1080p Blu-ray disc, with particular emphasis on the creative process and impending changes Riley faces as she matures. Users can explore the development of new emotional complexities in Riley through "New Emotions" and witness the challenge of portraying Bloopy in "Unlocking the Vault." Although largely made up of EPK-style segments, the extras provide valuable behind-the-scenes insights, albeit limited in quantity. The SteelBook packaging enhances the overall appeal with its whimsical midcentury modern design representing the emotions and a visually captivating interior art depicting Riley's Belief System lightshow. Additionally, a digital copy is included, making it accessible across multiple platforms.

Extras included in this disc:

• New Emotions: Focuses on the impending changes Riley experiences as she becomes a teen.
• Unlocking the Vault: Looks at the great sequence with the emotions encountering Bloopy.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes various stages of completion with crew interstitials discussing their removal.
• Info: Opening disclaimer verbiage.
• Maximizer: Calibration tool found under the Setup Menu.

"Inside Out 2" builds upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor, introducing new characters and emotional depth that resonate across age groups. The movie is set in Riley's life as she navigates the tumultuous transition from childhood to adolescence. At 13, Riley, a dedicated hockey player, faces pivotal life changes, encapsulated by her friends Grace and Bree attending a different school and her trip to a hockey camp that could determine her future in the sport. These external changes catalyze internal chaos as the control center in her mind undergoes a ‘puberty’ renovation, introducing new emotions like Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and Envy (Ayo Edebiri). This expanded emotional cast creates a bustling and frenetic environment that is ripe for comedic moments and deep introspective insights.

Director Kelsey Mann, along with writers Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, manages to create a narrative that feels both fresh and familiar. The return of original emotions Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Tony Hale), and Disgust (Liza Lapira) provides continuity and an anchor for returning audiences while the introduction of new emotions adds complexity and excitement. The film’s visual landscape remains as stunning as the original, utilizing innovative animation techniques to illustrate psychological constructs like Riley's 'Belief System' and the 'Vault', where bottled-up emotions are stored. These imaginative settings are brilliantly realized in 4K UHD, although the high-definition presentation is limited to a SteelBook-exclusive release.

"Inside Out 2" transcends mere sequel status by tapping into universal themes that appeal to both teens experiencing hormonal upheaval and parents reminiscing about their own formative years. The film isn’t just a laugh-out-loud comedy or a visual treat; it’s an emotionally charged journey that encourages viewers to embrace the full spectrum of feelings. In line with Pixar’s tradition, this film expertly balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it a notable achievement in contemporary animated storytelling and a worthy contender for multiple viewings.

"Inside Out 2" arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray in a stunning SteelBook-exclusive release that surpasses expectations and offers a noteworthy continuation to the beloved original. The film is a visual feast, boasting exceptional animation artistry that showcases Pixar's hallmark attention to detail. The HDR10 transfer impresses with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and pristine clarity, ensuring that each emotional nuance and picturesque scene is rendered beautifully. Coupled with an excellent Dolby Atmos mix, the audio experience is immersive, providing a rich soundscape that enhances the film's emotional depth.

Thematically rich and emotionally engaging, "Inside Out 2" strikes a perfect balance between laughter and sentiment. The script is beautifully written, capturing the complexity of human emotions with sensitivity and humor. Despite prior skepticism about the necessity of a sequel, the film proves itself as one of Pixar's best, offering profound narrative depth and joyous storytelling. It delivers a rollercoaster of emotions without feeling contrived, making it an essential addition to any animated film collection.

Nevertheless, while the on-disc supplements are appealing, they might not fully satisfy die-hard fans looking for more in-depth behind-the-scenes content. The packaging, however, is enticing and well-crafted, enhancing the overall appeal of this release.

Pixar has had a few stumbles along the way in its now rather healthy and long life, but "Inside Out 2" isn't one of them. This is another beautifully written outing that provides both laughs and sentiment in about equal measure, and which offers a really stunning level of animation artistry. Technical merits are excellent, the on-disc supplements appealing, and the SteelBook packaging engaging. Highly recommended.